Federalism

Definition Federalism- System of gov. in which power is divided between a central/national gov. and several regional gov. Ex. United States: National gov. and state gov. State gov. and local gov.

Argument Federalists: Anti-Federalists: Want strong central gov.; supported Constitution Anti-Federalists: Want power in state gov.; opposed Constitution

Argument Strong nat. gov. would: Unite states into a nation Federalists Anti-Federalists Strong nat. gov. would: Unite states into a nation Foster commercial growth of country Maintain peace among states and ensure equality to all No Bill of Rights Too much power in nat. gov. Limited the significance of voters in choosing President Feared President/Central Gov. would be too powerful Argument

Who’s Who? Federalists: Anti-Federalists: James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay Anti-Federalists: Sam Adams, Patrick Henry, John Hancock

The Fight for Ratification Needed 9 states’ votes for; Got 9 (NH) in 1788 Missing Virginia & New York; key states for survival of Constitution Campaigns to sway opinions/votes within the states Virginia ratifies Still need New York Propaganda escalates

The Federalist Papers Hamilton, Madison, Jay 85 essays in support of the Constitution Published in the newspapers for people to read Anti-Federalists respond with essays of their own to put down the Constitution

Federalist #10 & #51 #10: #51: Dealing with Factions- A group with a larger group Advantage of representative gov. rather that pure democracy #51: System of Checks & Balances Branches of gov. Prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful

Ratification New York agrees to Constitution (1788) 11 of 13 states ratify (N. Carolina & Rhode Island) Elect George Washington as President John Adams as Vice Pres. New York as temporary capital

Summary Federalism is a compromise and improvement: Weakness with AoC. is that state gov. are too independent More powers to Central gov. Checks & Balances: Separation of Powers among branches

What Did They Ratify?

Constitution Basics Popular Sovereignty- rule by the people Federalism- divided gov. power between national (federal) and state gov. Separation of Powers- power is divided among national gov. Legislative, Executive, Judicial What do they do?

Constitution Basics (cont.) Checks and Balances: -each branch may check (restrain) the others Prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful Legislative: Remove judges & president; override veto Executive: Appoints judges; power of veto Judicial: Declare acts unconstitutional(Judicial Review) Executive and Legislative

Constitution Basics (cont.) Amendment- a change to constitutional law

Summary Ratified a document that will “unite” the states and the people Stronger central gov.; weaker state gov. Limited gov: Separation of Powers Checks and Balances Divide Powers between states and federal gov.

Powers To…

Powers to Natl. Gov. Enumerated Powers: Levy taxes set and collect Borrow money (on credit of the U.S.) Regulate commerce among foreign nations & states Declare war Raise & maintain military National supremacy- natl. gov. has overall power

Powers to States Reserved Powers: Powers not given to natl. gov., but not denied to the states, lay to the states (10th amendment) Educational systems Gay marriage Gun control laws Death penalty

Powers to Both Concurrent Powers: Powers to tax Build roads Create lower courts

Weaknesses to Solution Articles of Confederation Constitution Weak nat. gov; strong state gov. Natl. gov. cannot levy taxes Congress cannot regulate commerce No court system Unanimous vote for amendments No protection of rights of individuals Strong natl gov.; weaker state gov. Natl. gov. can levy taxes Nat. gov. can regulate commerce (states & foreign) Judiciary branch 2/3 majority of Congress & ¾ vote of states for amendments No protection of rights Weaknesses to Solution